Name: Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 10 chicken thighs (skinless, boneless); 3 tbsp Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 3 cloves garlic (finely grated); 2 tsp paprika; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp oregano; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; Pinch of ground cinnamon; 2 tsp salt; ½ red onion (thinly sliced); 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tbsp ground sumac; Salt (to taste)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lover! I’ve got a recipe that’s going to knock your socks off—Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven. If you’re someone who craves bold, flavorful dishes but also wants something that’s easy to make, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this one. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken marinated in a mouthwatering blend of spices, stacked into a towering masterpiece and baked to perfection. The result? A crispy, golden exterior with juicy, succulent chicken that’s packed with flavor in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, weekend get-togethers, or even when you just want to treat yourself to something special. And the best part? It’s all baked in the oven, so you can kick back while the magic happens.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven

I can already tell you’re going to love this recipe, and here’s why:

Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or the centerpiece of your next gathering, this dish can fit any occasion. It’s so impressive to look at and even better to eat. Your guests will be asking for the recipe, I promise.
Budget-Friendly: No need to break the bank here! The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Plus, chicken is an affordable option that takes on all the spices so beautifully.
Quick and Easy: While the chicken marinates, you’ve got time to relax. Once everything’s stacked, it’s just a matter of letting the oven do the work. It’s easy enough for beginners, but impressive enough to make you feel like a chef.
Customizable: You can tweak the spices to suit your taste. Want a little extra heat? Add some cayenne pepper. Prefer something milder? Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a winner with both kids and adults. Everyone loves the savory flavors, tender chicken, and crispy edges. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Milk Frother

Buy Now →

Meat Thermometer

Buy Now →

Olive Oil Sprayer

Buy Now →

Ingredients in Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven

Now, let’s talk about the ingredients that will come together to create your new favorite dish.

Chicken Thighs

The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe—they stay juicy and tender, even when baked. Plus, they soak up all the shawarma spices beautifully.

Olive Oil

A little olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist while also contributing to that crispy texture when it’s baked.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds that signature bold flavor you love in shawarma. It gives the chicken that extra oomph that makes this dish unforgettable.

Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice brightens up the marinade and adds that zesty kick that balances out all the rich spices.

Shawarma Spices

Here’s where the magic happens. A mix of cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon creates that signature shawarma flavor. Don’t worry, it’s easy to find these spices in most grocery stores!

Salt & Pepper

A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper is all you need to bring everything together. Seasoning is key!

Fresh Parsley

Chopped parsley is perfect for garnishing at the end. It adds color and a little fresh, herbaceous flavor that brings the dish to life.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bring this flavor-packed dish to life? Here’s how to do it!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy on the outside.

Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and all those amazing shawarma spices. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This marinade is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure the chicken gets coated thoroughly.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and mix them into the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor). The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor will be!

Stack the Chicken

Once your chicken is nicely marinated, take it out of the bowl and begin stacking it in a tower on a baking sheet. It’s okay if it’s a bit uneven; just make sure each piece is stacked closely together to help it bake evenly.

Bake the Chicken

Pop the chicken into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges are crispy and golden. You can also broil it for the last 2-3 minutes to get that perfect crispy finish.

Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve with a side of rice, flatbread, or a refreshing salad, and dig in!

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven

This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides, so here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Fresh Salads: A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, lemon, and herbs will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
Warm Flatbread: Soft pita or naan bread is great for scooping up the tender chicken and any delicious juices. You can even make shawarma wraps for a fun twist.
Rice or Couscous: Serve with a side of fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken. A simple pilaf would work wonders here.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce: A cool, creamy garlic yogurt sauce is the perfect accompaniment. It’s rich and tangy, and it balances out the spiced chicken beautifully.
Grilled Veggies: Roasted or grilled vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant, add some extra flavor and color to your plate.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to let the flavors really sink in. It’ll save you time the day you plan to bake it and make the chicken even more flavorful.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken is great reheated or even used in wraps the next day.
Double the Batch: This recipe is great for making a bigger batch. If you’re cooking for a crowd, just double the ingredients and stack the chicken higher!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can! However, chicken breasts are leaner and may dry out a bit more compared to thighs. If you do use breasts, be sure to watch the cooking time carefully.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Marinate the chicken the night before and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s great for meal prep.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken is great reheated or used in wraps!

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to keep it crispy, use the broil function for a few minutes at the end.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just make sure to use a larger baking sheet to accommodate the extra chicken. Cooking time might vary slightly depending on the size of your stack.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for [specific diet]?
A7: Yes, it’s gluten-free and can be adapted for dairy-free diets with a few simple swaps (like using dairy-free yogurt sauce).

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: A crisp salad, rice pilaf, or roasted veggies would all pair wonderfully with this shawarma.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: To lighten it up, you can reduce the oil in the marinade and serve with a side of steamed veggies or cauliflower rice.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A rimmed baking sheet works best for this recipe. It helps the chicken cook evenly while catching any delicious juices.

Conclusion

There you have it—a flavorful, simple, and oh-so-satisfying Chicken Shawarma Tower Baked in the Oven! This dish is perfect for those days when you want something that’s both impressive and easy to make. The juicy, spiced chicken stacked high and baked to perfection is guaranteed to wow your taste buds. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every tender, crispy bite!